Republicans in Michigan and around the country are locked in an intense debate over the party’s direction and priorities.

Recently, internal tensions affecting the party encourage state Democrats over their election prospects in 2014. Last week, the party leaked a memo describing the Michigan GOP as “coming apart at the seams.”

Imagine if we could solve all the world’s problems in a few weeks—global warming, famine, diseases, ethnic tensions—all resolved. Sounds impossible, right? Well, apparently it’s not -- at least, not for John Hunter’s students.

Over 30 years ago, the Virginia-based teacher created the World Peace Game. To play, students take on the role of world leaders and are charged with solving 50 interlocking problems. Students win if they fix all 50 crises and every country's asset value increases.

This summer, MSU assistant professor Etienne Charles debuted his fourth album, called "Creole Soul." It’s received favorable reviews from The New York Times and NPR, and spent some time high up on the jazz charts. Charles, who is also one of the MSU Professors of Jazz, will be playing some of his music at the Broad Art Museum on Thursday night.